desmo900rider

Hey all. I have a 02 Targa, stock amp, stock speakers, average Alpine HU. Looking to upgrade the awful sound. I have a deal on products in the Harmon family of products, JBL would be the best bet I think. Anybody know of any speakers in their current lineup to replace what's there now? I think there is a set in the dash, doors, and rear near the seats. Maybe an amp upgrade as well if that makes sense? I know litttle about car audio...

I ask because I understand there are some fitement issue, specifically related to speaker depth.

Thanks!

RennPart

The door speakers are actually "woofers" and they're a odd ball size (5 1/4 IIRC). Most people say to use the "tang band" 5.25 Neodyne speakers in the doors. I did this to our old 996 with the factory amp and they actually sounded worse! I think our stock amp was blown though so your results may vary.

There are some very talented audio enthusiasts on this site, I'm sure they will chime in!

ZuffenZeus

First of all, we need to determine which stock system was factory installed in the car and what was changed by the previous owner.

Porsche made three common system configurations for these cars:
1. 4 chan/8 speaker "base" system
2. "HIFI System" - 6 chan/10 speaker system (added a 6 ch frunk amp and door subs)
3. BOSE System - 6 chan/12 speaker system (BOSE processsing, amp, speakers, subs)

Take some pictures and we'll be glad to help. These OEM systems run low impedance and so mating the old with the new may produce unwanted results.

desmo900rider

Pretty sure I have option 2, I know it's not Bose, and I know I have an amp in the frunk. Make sense?

ZuffenZeus

There are two ways to confirm it... 1. either by posting the option tag under the hood or... 2. Take some pics of the door and frunk amp.

More than likely, the PO just replaced the head-unit. Hopefully they didn't cut the original wiring harness or you could be in a world of hurt. On a side note, it would be smart to start doing your homework on upgrading and installing the new dash and rear speakers. The original OEM speakers are NOT standard coaxial, but rather component (separate mid and tweeter) and are a custom designed fit which presents more challenges when attempting to install industry standard speaker replacements. If you have door subs, then more than likely they're the 5 1/4" OEM HAES 2 ohm versions. This poses another challenge. But let's cross one bridge at a time. Post your option tag or take some pictures.

kromdom

good exhaust note....all the music one should need for a Porsche, yes?

Esfoad

I went a different route, changing everything. Went with a Pioneer 8200NEX head unit, an Alpine 5CH amp in the frunk, a Kenwood 8" sub in a custom box mounted to the passenger side of the console and door and dash speakers by CDT. Sound is perfect for me. I like a well balanced sound with emphasis on tight bass and well defined mids and highs. I know there are some pre made enclosures for subs but I went with the custom one from the shop because I saw the qualitty of the enclosure and the construction from beginning to end. Total cost was $3000. A little high but this is mt DD for 8 months of the yeqr and it's worth it for me. I have NAV, Apple CarPlay, XM Radio, bluetooth, really all the modern conveniences. I intend to keep this car for a long time so that's why I went this route. Good Luck with your choice.

ZuffenZeus

As a owner of a 996 with the Porsche Sport Exhaust option, I say a big AMEN brotha!

Esfoad

True Dat!!

ZuffenZeus

Nice! Vetty vetty nice indeed!

Btw: your "garage" makes me jealous. How did you convince the wife? Advice?

Esfoad

I AM a lucky guy. Turns out after the kids got old enough to be on their own and we didn't't need a minivan anymore, she said "I want a Corvette"!! We'll be married 40 years this June. I picked well

ZuffenZeus

My wife's comment last night was like this... "I want a Panamera and you need to sell your 911 so that I can get it, ok?"

I'm like, "Honey, the Panamera is nice, but it's no 911!"

she responds, "You said it was!"

I corrected, "I said it was Porsche's answer to a 4 door 911, but doesn't make it a 911... the engine is in the wrong place for goodness sakes!"

She retorts, "Well, I'm not comfortable in a 911"

I went silent, but in my mind I was thinking... "Because it's not built for comfort!"

hahaha

she still loves me.

Esfoad

Well I haven't driven the Panamera yet but I have driven a 2016 Boxster with the flat 6 as well as a Cayenne and frankly, neither are a 911! That Boxster was fun but the 911 is thrilling as well as fun. My wife can drive a stick but won't drive the 911. My gain!

5CHN3LL

I dunno...on a nice, warm day with the windows down and the sunroof open...spinning some classic cheesey hip-hop like Low (Flo Rida). Makes traffic tolerable.

ZuffenZeus

Yea, I saw you and your friend on the town singin' that song...